F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying prediction & free betting tip

Free Formula 1 tips, best bets and analysis for the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying session at Imola on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports F1, 1pm Saturday

Best bet

Valtteri Bottas fastest qualifier
1pt 4-1 general

Match preview

Max Verstappen remains favourite to take pole position for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but the Red Bull driver is on the back foot after a difficult practice day at Imola.

The Dutchman was a close third-fastest in the morning hour but managed only a handful of laps in the afternoon before a mechanical issue ended his involvement.

Verstappen took pole by four-tenths of a second at the season-opener in Bahrain three weeks ago, and on paper the Imola circuit should suit his Red Bull even better.

However, Mercedes topped both of Friday’s practices with Valtteri Bottas edging Lewis Hamilton in each case.

Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also had a difficult day, colliding with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in the morning and ending the afternoon more than 0.8 seconds off the pace.

Red Bull’s struggles did not mean Mercedes dominated, though, as AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were in close contention.

It is entirely possible Verstappen will bounce back in qualifying. However, there remains a feeling Mercedes still haven’t shown their true pace.

Bottas took pole position at the circuit last year when Imola returned to the calendar for the first time since 2006, and the Finn could be a value to repeat the feat.

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